Ep. 4 — Why the things that scare you are often worth pursuing with Noora Saksa

What if the step you’re waiting to feel ready for is actually the one that creates the momentum you need?   In this episode of Founder Frequency, Caitie sits down with Noora Saksa, CEO of Slush, to explore how momentum is actually created, and why it rarely comes from having everything figured out. And spoiler! It’s built by following what feels interesting, taking the small step forward, and choosing action over overthinking.     From growing up in a small village in eastern Finland to leading one of the world’s most recognized startup organizations, Noora shares the decisions that shaped her path, and the moments where she chose to act before she felt 100% ready.     Together, they get into what “ready enough” really looks like in practice, why the slightly uncomfortable option is often the one worth taking, and how self-trust is built through proof. They also pull back the curtain on what it takes to build environments like Slush—from creating trust and momentum within teams to actively shaping a more inclusive startup ecosystem for women and non-binary founders.   In this episode, we talk about: Growing up in a small village and how early exposure to grit shaped Noora’s mindset The unexpected moment that pulled her into the startup ecosystem Why a simple “why not apply?” mentality can open doors you didn’t plan for Choosing the role that felt the most uncomfortable and why that’s often the right path How to break big, intimidating decisions into small, actionable steps What “ready enough” actually looks like in real life What it takes to create trust, momentum, and excitement as a leader How Slush is actively shaping a more inclusive ecosystem     Where to find us! Instagram: @wednesday.community wednesdaycommunity.com Stay connected on LinkedIn Connect with Caitie on LinkedIn     Resources from the episode Learn more about Slush: website | LinkedIn | Instagram Apply to be a Slush Team Lead by 11 May: apply here Grab your early bird ticket to Slush 2026 here Connect with Noora on LinkedIn     📢 Don’t forget to subscribe & leave a review!       About Founder Frequency   Founder Frequency is the official podcast of wednesday. Hosted by Caitie Santo, we explore the real stories and perspectives shaping the founder ecosystem. In each episode, we talk about what it’s actually like to be part of this space—the decisions, lessons, and identity shifts that come with it, and how we can shape a more inclusive future for women and non-binary founders.